On Tuesday, President Donald Trump confirmed that discussions between Washington and Havana have reached a significant stage of progress.
“Cuba is talking with Marco Rubio, and we will do something very soon,” Trump announced, as reported by journalist Agustin Antonetti. This statement marks the clearest indication yet of a potential agreement on the horizon.
The announcement follows Trump's recent remarks from the White House, where he labeled Cuba a “failed nation” and acknowledged, “they are talking to us.”
Trump expressed his eagerness to engage with Cuba, making bold statements that drew widespread attention: “If I free it, I take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it.”
On the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke forcefully about the Cuban regime's current state. “The bottom line is that their economy doesn’t work. It’s a non-functional economy,” he asserted.
Rubio emphasized the need for new leadership within the regime, suggesting that the current officials lack the capability to address the nation’s challenges.
Reports from Politico and Axios reveal that Rubio has conducted at least half a dozen meetings with Cuban representatives, including Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as “Raulito” or “El Cangrejo,” who is the grandson of Raúl Castro.
These talks have deliberately bypassed the official channels of the Communist Party and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged last Friday that these discussions are happening during a Political Bureau meeting. He described the conversations with the United States as a "first phase" towards establishing a bilateral agenda, likening them to the diplomatic thaw during the Obama era.
Trump emphasized the significance of the dialogue, pointing out that the regime had previously denied any contact.
According to the New York Times, the Trump administration is pushing for Díaz-Canel's removal as a crucial condition for any agreement, leaving it to Havana to execute this step in exchange for sanctions relief and economic openings.
The backdrop of these negotiations is Cuba’s severe crisis.
Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January and the subsequent halt of Venezuelan oil supplies, the island has gone over three months without receiving fuel from Venezuela.
This Monday, Cuba experienced a complete collapse of its electrical system, marking the sixth nationwide blackout in a year and a half, with the total disconnection of the National Electric System leaving the entire country without power.
The regime has made some initial concessions during the talks: the release of 51 prisoners after dialogue with the Vatican and allowing the FBI to investigate an incident involving a boat from Florida.
A senior Trump administration official described the contacts as “future discussions” that have been “surprisingly friendly.” Trump is negotiating an economic deal with Cuba that could include sanctions relief, based on previous reports.
Earlier this week, Jorge Mas Santos, president of the Cuban American National Foundation, met with Trump and Rubio at the White House.
Mas Santos declared that the day of Cuba’s freedom is approaching following the meeting, delivering a message filled with hope for the Cuban exile community.
Key Questions About US-Cuba Relations
What is the current state of negotiations between the US and Cuba?
Negotiations between the US and Cuba have reached an advanced stage, with significant discussions taking place between Cuban representatives and US officials like Marco Rubio.
What are the main conditions for a potential US-Cuba agreement?
The Trump administration is reportedly demanding the removal of Miguel Díaz-Canel as a major condition for any agreement, along with sanctions relief and economic opportunities for Cuba.
How has Cuba responded to the US's demands?
Cuba has made some initial concessions, including releasing prisoners and allowing an FBI investigation, as part of the ongoing discussions with the US.